A WARM WELCOME TO ROCHFORD HUNDRED RFC
Almost three years ago I prepared a welcome note to today’s opponents. The first paragraph read as follows: “The ecstasy of promotion brings further benefits the following season including making new friends with clubs we haven’t played before. Our elevation to Level 5 has brought us into contact with no less than five new clubs, and today is one of these five “first times” we have the pleasure of hosting new visitors. So let us give the warmest of Knole Paddock welcomes to everyone associated with Rochford Hundred Rugby Club.”
Thanks to the Covid pandemic, that match was never played. Now, here we are trying again, with both clubs having been promoted to Level 4 in the meantime, so we can finally reciprocate the hospitality that Rochford have twice already extended to us.
Rochford Hundred began life in 1962 as an embryonic idea mooted by two friends, and supported by a small loyal band of volunteers, to spread the rugby gospel among their local community. An immediate piece of good fortune appeared in the form of a nearby school, including pitched and changing rooms, which had just been closed due to its proximity to Southend Airport.
Players were recruited locally and the name Rochford Hundred emanated from the title of the area in which the club was situated. The word “Hundred” is an old English name for the division of lands for administrative, military and judicial purposes.
Their first full season was 1962/63 when they turned out two sides and a Colts XV. However, for those old enough to remember, this was a freezing winter when snow covered all pitches from Boxing Day until the beginning of March.
Rochford’s star began to rise slowly but surely. In 1968 they purchased their own ground in Magnolia Road for just £3,200 and six years later Dickie Jeeps opened their clubhouse which itself had cost just £11,500. Mr Jeeps certainly got around a bit in those days; we noted earlier this month he also opened the new Worthing clubhouse in 1977! Further expansions and improvements have followed. The present structure is a thriving rugby venue and a hub for the local community, as in the dreams of those who started the enterprise sixty years ago.
Over the last few years Rochford’s playing record has been remarkable. They secured successive promotions in ‘17/18 and ‘18/19 both with 100% records and, as we know, they prevailed again in the abridged Covid season of ‘19/20.
Our away match against them this season was nip and tuck all the way with the hosts eventually winning 24-19. However, especially on home soil with the balcony roar spurring them on, The Oaks are strong opponents against any side. We look forward to a combative sporting contest this afternoon between two teams intent on cementing their status in the National Leagues.
Howard Pearl
Other London & South East Premier Division matches being played today:
Barnes v North Walsham Blackheath v Old Albanian
Dorking v Canterbury Tonbridge Juddian v Henley
Westcliff v Guernsey Worthing v Bury St Edmunds